Website Detail Page

written by
the University of Minnesota Physics Education Research Group,
Kenneth Heller, and
Patricia Heller

This page provides a set of 27 context-rich physics problems relating to conservation of energy and conservation of momentum. Each problem involves a real-life scenario, with information that may be both useful and irrelevant. Context-rich problems are carefully constructed to promote problem-solving skills. Students work cooperatively to: 1) visualize the problem, 2) decide together upon a strategy, 3) apply physics concepts to solve the problem, and 4) evaluate/test the solution. Problems are formulated so that they cannot be solved in a few steps by copying a pattern.

SEE RELATED ITEMS ON THIS PAGE for more information about how to implement context-rich problem solving in the introductory physics classroom.

This resource is based on the research results of the Minnesota Physics Education Research group. See Related items on this page for a link to the full collection.

Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.

This is a Power Point presentation appropriate for new and crossover teachers on the Context-Rich instructional method. It explains the rationale behind the method and provides examples/explanations on how to implement it effectively.